KUALA LUMPUR — Actions taken against private news agency TV Pertiwi is to assess whether any offences were committed under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (CMA 1998), said the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
In a statement, the regulatory body said it remains steadfast in fulfilling its duty under the act, which is to prevent any attempt of committing offences, especially those involving misinformation.
“As we prepare for the upcoming assessment of TV Pertiwi, we strive to demonstrate our accountability in fulfilling our regulatory duties,” it said.
“Any action taken is subject to the investigation to ensure the integrity and security of information disseminated through media and content platforms.”
MCMC added that it also remains committed to upholding the rule of law, and protecting public interest.
On August 15, TV Pertiwi reported that its official TikTok account was permanently blocked. Two days later, its website was revealed to be blocked as well.
TV Pertiwi chief operating officer Mohd Firdaus Salleh Hudin lodged a police report this morning regarding the platform blocks.
Firdaus argued the actions taken against the news agency, as similar content that does not touch on sensitive issues, was also uploaded to its other platforms.
As such, he requested the MCMC and the Communications and Digital Ministry to lift the blocks on TV Pertiwi’s official channel, as it involved Article 10 of the Federal Constitution.
Article 10 states that every citizen has the right to freedom of speech and expression; to assemble peaceably and without arms; and to form associations. — August, 18, 2023